The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree

Twenty Seven

Vinetria's Pov

I hadn't planned on going out, I really hadn't but Ian asked me if I wanted to join him at happy hour and I couldn't resist. What started as a Chili's casual happy hour night, turned into something much more. Violet had called me to catch up and I invited her out to which she agreed. So, the three of them sit huddled around a sticky high-top table. Music hums low in the background, a mix of old R&B and pop hits. A half empty basket of fries sits between them, Violet nursing a vodka soda, Ian swirling his cocktail dramatically.

Ian has been watching the door since we got here, seemingly displeased, "Honestly, what's the point of being here if the cute ones don't come to us?"

Violet teases, "Maybe they're intimidated. Three hot babes together is a powerful combination."

I just shake my head, sipping on my club soda with lime. I only agreed to drink at the beginning of the night since I'm the designated driver. Not sure when we're leaving but I wanted to stay sober just in case our departure was sooner rather than later.

"Or maybe they're just boring straight men." Ian's got a point. "I want to go somewhere with better options. My options." He groaned, pointing at himself with both hands to get the point across.

"You mean a gay bar?" I stated.

"Yes, thank you! We should go there." He made it sound like it was the best idea of the century.

Since there seems to be no one worth staying at the dive bar for and the drinks are mid, we decided to head out. The gay bar was a block away so we got in my car and I drove over. The neon lights reflecting off the sidewalk and the pulsing bass of a nearby club grew louder as we got out of the car.

Inside of the gay bar; the music is louder, brighter, and full of color. People are actually dancing. Ian's eyes light up immediately, and Violet is grinning, already dragging him toward the dance floor. I lingered by the bar to order another club soda before joining them.

A few songs in, Ian was dancing with a cute blonde guy and Violet had ordered two more shots for herself. I felt my phone buzzing and reached in my pocket to see who it was; Harry's name lights up on my screen.

I answered, pressing a finger to my other ear to block out the noise but it didn't help much.

"Hey!"

Harry, calm and sweet as ever, "Hey Vin, I wanted to- why is it so loud?"

"I'm at a bar with my friends right now." I tried to make my way through the dance floor, squeezing between people jumping with their friends and couples grinding.

"Oh, I can call back if you want. I just wanted to check up on you." I was finally near the bathrooms where it was a bit quieter.

"No, I don't mind. Um, I'm doing good. There's a lot of people out tonight. I think they extended their happy hour for all night."

"Sounds fun.. Be safe, yeah?" He got comfortable in his chair. He was having lunch on his hotel balcony. It was a bit breezy but he didn't mind it.

"Oh! I'm not drinking, I'm DD tonight."

"Still..." He breathed out, lips pursed, letting his mind wander to where I may be and who I may be with. "How is the bar? Sounds more like a club. I hope you're showing off your best moves." I could tell he was nervous, like he was contemplating asking who I was with but he didn't want to come off as insecure or... controlling? Which, I know he isn't.

I was leaning against the wall, still with one finger on my other ear "Yeah... But I think everyone else here has me beat. It's a gay bar."

There's a pause, then Harry's laugh carries through the speaker; low and relieved. "That's good."